From King Cobra To Black Panther: How Mehdi Zatout Transformed His Protege’s Brand and Career
Black Panther had already compiled an 80-17 professional record on Thailand’s unforgiving stadium circuit, proving his elite skills against the nation’s toughest competition. But the Pattaya native was fighting under a different name — Jong-Ang-Dam, which translates to Black King Cobra — and despite the victories piling up, something was missing.
That changed when he joined legendary coach Mehdi Zatout’s team in 2021. Beyond sharpening his striking technique, the esteemed mentor stressed the importance of personal branding to reach a wider audience. When the 26-year-old earned his call to compete on ONE Championship’s global stage, Zatout knew he needed a name that foreigners could easily remember, something that captured the essence of his fighting style while building international appeal.
The solution came naturally. Zatout suggested Black Panther — a moniker that perfectly reflected the Thai striker’s explosive approach while maintaining thematic connection to his original cobra identity. The name stuck immediately, resonating with the fighter who recognized how it embodied everything he brought into the ring.
“I had always used the name ‘Jong-Ang-Dam’ (Black King Cobra) throughout my fighting career,” Black Panther explained. “However, when I joined [Team] Mehdi Zatout back in 2021, he suggested I change it to something more international. He wanted me to have a stronger brand identity that foreigners could easily remember, so he gave me the name ‘Black Panther.'”
The moniker isn’t merely catchy — it’s a perfect reflection of who he becomes when battle begins. Much like Marvel’s T’Challa portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman on the big screen, Black Panther exudes courage, leadership, and quiet dignity outside competition. But when the bell rings, the switch flips instantly. The reserved demeanor gives way to a relentless hunter who stalks opponents with explosive combinations and unforgiving aggression.
“The reason he chose this name is because of my fighting style — fast strikes and an aggressive attacking approach,” Black Panther said. “Plus, the meaning isn’t too far off from my old name, ‘Jong-Ang-Dam.’ I really liked it, so I decided to make the change, and I’ve been using it ever since.”
The name change coincided with the beginning of his ONE Championship journey, which started disastrously when Tagir Khalilov knocked him out in the first round at ONE Friday Fights 9 in March 2023. Most fighters would have crumbled under that kind of debut defeat, but Black Panther refused to let his story end there.
He gutted out a grueling split-decision victory over Mohammad Sadeghi at ONE Friday Fights 24, then outpointed heavy-handed compatriot Suriyanlek Por Yenying two months later. Despite back-to-back wins, he knew a signature finish was needed to truly announce his arrival among the promotion’s elite flyweights.
That moment arrived against Ali Saldoev at ONE Fight Night 23 in July 2024. After a competitive opening round, the Thai striker flattened him with a counter head kick just 23 seconds into the second frame — the kind of spectacular knockout that separated prospects from legitimate threats.
Eager to maintain momentum, Black Panther stepped up on short notice against dangerous finisher Johan Estupinan at ONE Fight Night 37 last November. He dropped the Colombian three times in round two before a pinpoint left hook sent Estupinan face-first into the canvas for the decisive technical knockout victory.
Now riding a four-fight winning streak, Black Panther faces Colombian-American veteran Diego Paez at ONE Fight Night 40 on February 13 at Lumpinee Stadium. The flyweight Muay Thai clash represents another opportunity to prove his transformation under Zatout’s guidance extends far beyond just a name change — though that new identity perfectly captures the predator he’s become inside the ring.
“The reason he chose this name is because of my fighting style — fast strikes and an aggressive attacking approach,” Black Panther said. “I really liked it, so I decided to make the change, and I’ve been using it ever since.”
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